Wednesday, 08 May, 2013
A large crowd attended the annual Saint Gall’s May Day Tournament.
The large crowd from Saint Brigid’s travelled in numbers to West Belfast to see if this promising P5 team could live up to the hype that has been building around them. They were not to be disappointed.
By 4pm Saint Brigid’s had demonstrated that they were the best P5 team and squad in attendance, a credit to their club and families.
The large crowd were entertained and enthraled by displays of skill, heart, and determination
which won admiration from all in attendance.
In goals John Mc Cooe gave a disciplined performance, made some really important saves , and launched many attacks with his intelligent kick outs. Given that this was John’s first start on the Saint Brigid’s P5 Ulster side, this made John’s performance all the more impressive.
The backs gave a display of maturity which many a senior team lacks. Joseph O Sullivan after a rocky start, knuckled down and preformed his defensive duties with aplomb. Joseph gave his all on the field, and delivered performance after performance.
Young James Gorman was once again a pillar in defence, brave in the tackle and always looked to play the ball out of defence. James was always on hand to provide support to his colleagues whenever needed and some of his passing was top drawer. James continues to develop and displays a maturity rarely found in a young man of this age.
But what about Thomas O Loan. Most of the crowd would have been unaware that Thomas had cancelled part of a family holiday in London to be at Milltown.
Thomas had started his journey to Milltown by getting up in London at 5am and catching a 7am flight to Belfast. The coaches were worried that Thomas would be tired. Could this young man perform at the level we know him to be capable of. The Saint Brigid’s faithful need not have worried.
Thomas gave a masterclass in defensive play. If there was a better back on display in this tournament this writer did not see him.
At midfield Saint Brigid’s had no peers. Fintan Cleary started in one of these slots did well and moved up front to provide a much needed presence of cutting edge marksmanship. Fintan scored numerous points at vital times and continues to improve game after game.
With Fintan moving upfront Niall (Francie Bellew) Murtagh made his entrance at midfield. Niall has had to wait for his opportunity to nail down a starting place and when he got his chance, he took it with both hands. Niall worked tirelessly, made numerous telling interceptions and further astounded the coaches by adding two magnificent scores at really vital stages.Well done Niall.
At midfield Niall was assisted by what many believe we’re the two best young players in this tournament in Brian Mc Gurk and Aodhan Mc Nicholl. When Mc Gurk and Mc Nicholl play well Saint Brigid’s play well. Both Aodhan and Brian played like men possessed. Brian and Aodhan displayed leadership qualities , skill , bravery , workrate and will to win that no opposition player was able to match or contend with.
Upfront the commanding Fintan Cleary was supported by Donal Hanna Ben Mc Auley and Niall Finnegan. Donal Hanna continues to improve game by game. Donal took up numerous good positions , made some fine catches and displayed some fine decision making.
Donal was assisted by bIg Ben Mc Auley who made a telling contribution. Ben in the past has shipped some flak for his work rate but set out right from the start to show he was prepared to work on this part of his game. All through the game Ben caught good ball, made telling passes and knocked over really important scores, and this was complimented by his willingness to work hard for his colleagues. Well done Ben.
Finally what about little Niall Finnegan. Small in stature but big in heart. Without doubt Niall gave his best display in a Saint Brigid’s jersey. Niall was out in front for every ball (and this writer means everyball). Niall tormented every payer who had the misfortune to be given the task of marking him. Niall won the ball rounded his man and started attack after attack , and gave a corner forward display at its brilliant best.
What a day!! what Displays!! Mums and Dads beaming with pride, and rightly so.
These young men displayed all the qualities that will take them far in the future.
If these young men continue to work hard over the coming years – this writer thinks we will hear more – A LOT MORE – about this group.
Well done P5’s you did both Saint Brigid’s and your families proud.
